Vulnerability and Creativity: North Face Designer Ruth Beatty

As a part of The North Face’s #SheMovesMountains campaign, senior designer Ruth Beatty answered questions at Salt Lake City’s Ladies Literary Club—a historic women’s club. The campaign is the brand’s first global initiative focused on women—and, the conversation with Beatty dives deep into gender, creativity, empathy, and fear. Rather than a weakness, Beatty says, “Vulnerability is exciting.” Watch the full video on YouTube.

Late Summer Cookout Essentials

How this season's gear can make al fresco events easier

At the beach, as the sun sets on the horizon, it can seem that the world goes on quietly forever. Those summer nightswhen the sand has cooled down, the coolers are full of beers and cocktail accoutrement, and the grill is a colorful display of seasonal producefeel incredibly fleeting. Of course, summer doesn’t cease to exist when its final day arrivesjust for another 272 days. …

Three Tech-Forward Backpacks

Currently crowdfunding, these bags are utilitarian and future-forward

Utilitarian and tech-forward backpacks for the daily commuter—or the adventurous, conscious traveler—are a dime a dozen. In order to stand out, brands must design thoughtfully, listen carefully, and work quickly. The ever-changing balance of life, work and travel makes meeting the needs of a contemporary consumer more difficult, but when a brand does it, instant demand is unsurprising. On Kickstarter, there are plenty of backpacks …